How to deal with a seemingly invincible opponent? The solar system is captured by a space fleet modernized with alien technology, and Winston Duarte, the sole ruler of countless worlds, considers himself a new stage in evolution. And although the fall of the Laconian empire freed more than a thousand solar systems from Duarte's power, the ancient enemy does not sleep and again begins a war against our universe. But humanity has not yet perished, and Captain James Holden and the Rocinante crew already have a plan to make a future out of the ruins and debris of the past and create a great galactic civilization, rid of wars, strife, lies and secrets.